Police Warning

Do Not Pirate Suriyothai

Police have warned makers of pirated movie products not to produce fake versions of the big-budget Thai epic Suriyothai.

They were concerned about widespread violations of the film's intellectual property rights and were prepared to take legal action against violators.

Assistant national police chief Pol Lt-Gen Noppadol Somboonsap, who supervises the suppression of pirated products, said police in all regions have been instructed to keep a close watch on the situation.

Police have also been instructed to keep an eye on operators and sellers at various shopping centres in Bangkok and other big cities.

Pol Lt-Gen Noppadol said he would launch a nationwide crackdown on violators when the film is released this Friday.

Pirate copies of the film could be produced on video tapes, VCDs and DVDs, he said, and the film was particularly vulnerable at the moment because of its high profile.

Police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Pongsaphas Pongcharoen said the movie, which covers the period from 1526-1549, was very important to Thai history and urged the public to help police crack down on the makers of pirate copies.